Renewing Your Connecticut License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Connecticut lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you're renewing early, or in person at a DMV office. Most people can renew online without visiting an office, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license. If you can't renew online, the mail route takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is fastest if you need your new license the same day, though wait times vary by location.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date you renew it. Connecticut sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice — you can renew anytime within one year before your expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew using the same methods, though expired licenses have additional restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Connecticut DMV website works if your license is not suspended, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed Form DL-43, a check or money order for $72, and takes two to three weeks; use this route if you're renewing more than 60 days early.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you'll receive your new license the same day.
  • Connecticut charges $72 for an eight-year license renewal; the fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office in person.

Renewing Online Through the Connecticut DMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to ct.gov/dmv, click "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current Connecticut driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm your address.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if your address has changed since your last renewal, if you need to update your name, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you don't have a valid Social Security number on file with Connecticut DMV. If any of these explore to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.

After you complete the online form, you'll pay the $72 fee by credit card or debit card. Connecticut will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by Mail With Form DL-43

Mail renewal works best if you're renewing more than 60 days before your expiration date. read Form DL-43 from ct.gov/dmv or request it by calling the DMV at 860-263-5700. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Sign and date the form — an unsigned form will be returned to you.

Include a check or money order for $72 payable to "State of Connecticut." Do not send cash. Mail the completed form and payment to the Connecticut DMV at the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. If you need your license faster, use online or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal is also the only option if you're renewing a license that expired more than one year ago and you want to avoid an in-person visit. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, Connecticut may require you to retake the written and vision tests, which means you must visit a DMV office.

Renewing In Person at a Connecticut DMV Office

Visit any Connecticut DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days of your visit.

Bring your current license even if it has expired. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot. You'll pay $72 at the office by cash, check, or card. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is, though some locations have longer waits during peak hours.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if your address has changed, if you need to update your name, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license. It's also the fastest way to get a new license the same day if you need to drive when ready.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

You can still renew an expired Connecticut license using any of the three methods. However, if your license expired more than one year ago, you may be required to pass the written test and vision test again, which means you must visit a DMV office in person. Call 860-263-5700 before you go to confirm whether you'll need to test.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Connecticut, even if you have a renewal process pending. If you're stopped by police, you can show them proof that you've submitted a renewal request (such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your form), but this does not may provide you won't receive a ticket. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.

DMV Office Locations and Hours

Connecticut operates DMV offices in Wethersfield, Danbury, New Haven, Norwich, and Waterbury. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open one evening per week. Saturday hours are available at select offices. Check ct.gov/dmv for the specific address, hours, and phone number of the office nearest you.

Wait times are longest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and around the middle of the month. If possible, visit on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday afternoon. You can also call ahead to ask about current wait times before you drive to the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a new address?

If you've moved since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail using Form DL-43 or visit a DMV office in person. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days. The DMV will update your address during the renewal process.

What if I need to change my name on my license?

You cannot change your name during an online renewal. Visit a DMV office in person and bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name the same day.

How long does it take to receive a renewed license by mail?

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your Form DL-43 and payment. Processing time can be longer during busy periods. You can continue driving on your current license until your new one arrives, so there's no gap in your driving privileges.

What if my Social Security number is not on file with the DMV?

You cannot renew online if your Social Security number is not in the DMV system. Renew by mail or visit a DMV office in person. Bring proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card or a tax return. The DMV will add your number to your record during the renewal process.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The renewal fee is $72, the same as for regular licenses.